Stir-Fried Sichuan Shrimp with Dried Red Chiles

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Ingredients

1. 1/3 cup vodka
2. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
3. 2 tablespoons ketchup
4. 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
5. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
6. 10 dried red chiles
7. One 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and very thinly sliced
8. 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
9. 3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
10. 1 3/4 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
11. Salt
12. 3 scallions, white parts only, coarsely chopped

1. In a small bowl, stir the vodka with the soy sauce, ketchup and vinegar. In a large skillet, heat the oil. Add the chiles, ginger and Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry over high heat until the chiles and peppercorns darken and the ginger starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir-fry until golden, about 10 seconds. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and stir-fry until just cooked, about 3 minutes.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly add the vodka sauce. Using a long match, carefully light the sauce. Return the skillet to the heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring. Add the scallions; serve.